Newington Council Member, 25, Steps Down

NEWINGTON — Republican Councilman Daniel Dinunzio, elected in 2013 as perhaps the town's youngest council member, is resigning effective next week.

Dinunzio, 25, said he is stepping down because he is moving to Ellington with his girlfriend. He also cited a desire to devote more time to his career. Dinunzio is a claims adjustor for Zurich Insurance in Rocky Hill.

"I think it's more for personal and professional reasons," he said Friday. "It's been a great experience. I've enjoyed working with everyone on the council."

Dinunzio's resignation will take affect after Tuesday's town council meeting. He said he wanted to leave before the council begins budget deliberations.

Asked the proudest accomplishment of his year-plus tenure, Dinunzio cited helping get the dilapidated National Welding site razed. The town, with assistance from the state, has torn down the old factory complex and hopes to redevelop it.

Minority Leader David Nagel called Dinunzio "a wonderful and dedicated young man."

"He'll be sorely missed," Nagel said. "He's had a tremendous impact in terms of what we try to do."

The council's other Republican, Maureen Klett, also praised Dinunzio and said she's saddened to see him leave.

"I think he's done a great job," Klett said. "I've spoken to him and encouraged him to get involved in the community that he's moving to because I think that he has a lot to offer."

She noted that the council was losing its youngest and oldest member in the same week. Longtime Councilwoman Myra Cohen, 90, died Tuesday.

Democratic Mayor Stephen Woods, who at times clashed with Dinunzio, also had kind words for the departing councilman.

"I think he's fine young man, and I think he's going to go pretty far," Woods said. "He was pleasure to have on the council, although we didn't agree sometimes."

Dinunzio said he did not rule out returning to politics and public service in the future.

"When I'm more settled in my career, maybe I'll move back and get back in it at some point," he said.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Domenic Pane could not be reached for comment Friday on who the party will appoint to serve the remainder of Dinunzio's term.